Chapter 1: The Cursed One
"Watch your step, Keal!"
The warning came a second too late. Keal stumbled, his foot catching on something—or someone—and he tumbled hard to the ground. His books scattered across the hallway tiles, and laughter erupted around him.
"Oh man, did you see that fall? That was brutal!" one of the boys said, practically crying with laughter.
Keal gritted his teeth, pushing himself up slowly. His palms stung from the impact, and the side of his arm felt scraped. He turned to look behind him.
One of the guys had stuck his foot out on purpose. Keal's eyes landed on the smug face of the boy who did it. His name was Mark, and he wasn't alone—his usual group of loud, arrogant friends stood around him like backup dancers waiting for the next cue.
Keal stared him down. "What's your problem?"
Mark chuckled and crossed his arms, stepping forward with an exaggerated swagger. "Problem? Nah. Just helping you kiss the ground, curse boy."
Keal's fists clenched, his voice sharp. "You tripped me on purpose."
Mark laughed harder. His friends followed.
One of them leaned in close, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, "Must be a blessing to fall in front of royalty."
Mark grinned. "Exactly. You should feel honored. Not everyone gets to be humbled by me."
Keal's face burned, both from embarrassment and anger. "You think you're better than everyone just because of your bloodline?"
Mark's expression darkened. "Better? No. I am better."
Keal didn't think. He just moved—his arm drawing back, ready to throw a punch—but the moment froze. Everything around him felt like it slowed down. Just as his fist nearly made contact, a force hit him from behind.
He was flung sideways like a ragdoll and slammed against the lockers with a dull thud.
Mark's eyes changed. The usual smugness vanished. His fangs extended, slipping past his lip, sharp and gleaming. His irises turned blood red, glowing faintly as he stepped forward. The other boys around him straightened, their expressions suddenly serious.
The hallway quieted. Someone gasped.
Everyone knew what Mark was—the son of the Vampire King. And not just of any kingdom. He was heir to the strongest of the five vampire realms in the Diamention.
As Mark stepped forward again, the air felt heavier, colder. The students nearby backed away. No one wanted to be involved.
Then came the sound of heels against tile.
A girl walked through the silence, her posture calm, her presence confident. Her long coat swayed behind her like a cloak, and her boots made steady taps as she approached. The crowd shifted. Some students actually stepped aside.
Linda.
She was the daughter of the Great Sorceress Zuke. Stories surrounded her like armor. Her father had once fought a demon king to a near standstill—a battle that nearly cost him his life—and earned him the title of one of the most fearless Sorceressesa in history.
Linda crossed her arms and stared directly at Mark.
Mark narrowed his eyes. "What, you picking up stray pets now?"
Linda didn't flinch. "Back off, Mark. It's not his fault he was born without power."
Mark gave a slow smile, amused. "Oh, I get it. You're feeling charitable today?"
She stepped closer. "I'm warning you."
Mark leaned slightly, his voice lowering but still loud enough. "You really wanna defend a curse-born? He's not just powerless. He's cursed. Son of a demon mother. He was never meant to have a future."
Linda's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond to him. Instead, she bent down and held out a hand to Keal.
Keal hesitated, then took it. She helped him to his feet as Mark and his friends turned and walked away, laughing among themselves.
"You alright?" Linda asked, brushing off Keal's shoulder lightly.
He nodded, trying to gather his scattered books. "I'm fine. I've dealt with worse."
Linda watched him for a moment, her eyes serious. "Just… stay away from Mark. He's not worth it."
Keal gave a tired nod. "Yeah."
As they walked together, Linda glanced sideways at him. "Hey… are you doing anything tonight?"
Keal looked up, surprised. "Not really. Why?"
She smiled a little. "It's my birthday. I'll be awakening my full power tonight. I'm inviting a few people. Thought you might want to come."
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he shifted the weight of his books in his hands and gave a small smile. "I'll think about it."
Linda slowed her steps, then looked at the sword strapped to Keal's side. "That's a nice blade. You always carry it?"
Keal looked down at the sword, then gave a small shrug. "Yeah. I've trained with a sword since I was a kid. It just never feels right going anywhere without it."
She tilted her head, curious. "Have you ever actually used it?"
He looked at her and chuckled under his breath. "Not yet. But when the time comes, I guess I'll know."
Linda didn't push further. She gave a nod and walked off in the opposite direction. Keal stood for a second, watching her leave, then turned around and headed toward the dorm buildings.
He didn't say another word.
…
Night came fast. The academy buildings sat under the pale glow of the overhead lights that lined the walkways. Keal stepped outside, hugging his arms lightly against the chill.
He looked around the courtyard. It was quiet. Most students were either in their rooms or at Linda's gathering.
Keal took a deep breath. His eyes settled on the gates—the same gates where his parents had once left him.
He was only a kid when it happened. One moment they were walking together, the next he was told to wait. Wait by the gate.
He did. He waited for hours that day.
They never came back.
Snapping back to the present, Keal shook his head and turned to head back inside. His foot had barely crossed the doorway when a sharp gust of wind hit him.
He barely had time to react.
A force slammed into him from the side. His body flew across the courtyard, crashing hard against the academy wall.